Yoga Asanas : Key exercises and postures

From mountain pose to downward-facing dog - discover the most important yoga exercises.

Yoga includes a variety of asanas (postures), each of which supports the body and mind in different ways. Whether you're a beginner or more advanced, understanding and correctly executing the basic poses is crucial for a safe and effective practice. Here are some of the most important yoga exercises and poses you should know:

 

Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

Tadasana is the foundation of many standing poses and helps improve balance and posture. In this pose, you stand upright with your feet together, arms at your sides, and consciously contract your muscles to lengthen your spine and center yourself.

Benefits:

  • Promotes healthy posture
  • Strengthens leg muscles
  • Improves balance and stability

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog)

This pose is one of the most well-known in yoga and offers a comprehensive stretch of the body. You start in the quadruped position and then raise your hips to form an inverted "V" shape. Hands are shoulder-width apart, feet hip-width apart, and you push yourself back through the palms and heels.

Benefits:

  • Stretches the shoulders, legs and back
  • Strengthens the arms and legs
  • Promotes circulation and calms the mind

Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I)

Warrior I is a powerful standing pose that requires strength and focus. In this pose, you stand with one leg far forward and the other leg extended behind you while you stretch your arms over your head and bend your front knee.

Benefits:

  • Strengthens the legs, back and shoulders
  • Opens the hips and chest
  • Improves balance and stability

Utkatasana (Chair posture)

In chair pose, you pretend to sit on an imaginary chair. You bend your knees, keep your thighs parallel to the floor, and stretch your arms upwards. This pose requires a lot of strength and endurance.

Benefits:

  • Strengthens the legs and lower back
  • Promotes endurance and concentration
  • Helps improve foot and ankle stability

Bhujangasana (Cobra)

The cobra is a backbend pose that opens the back and chest. You lie on your stomach and push yourself up with your palms while lifting the chest forward and up.

Benefits:

  • Strengthens the back and opens the chest
  • Stretches the shoulders and abs
  • Helps keep the spine flexible

Balasana (Child pose)

Balasana is a resting pose often taken between challenging asanas or at the end of a practice. You kneel down and place your upper body forward, forehead on the floor and arms either in front of you or beside your body.

Benefits:

  • Relaxes the back and shoulders
  • Calms the mind and reduces stress
  • Promotes flexibility of the hips and thighs

Savasana (Dead pose)

Often practiced at the end of a yoga session, Savasana is designed to completely relax the body and integrate the practice. You lie flat on your back with your arms and legs extended in a relaxed manner and focus on your breathing.

Benefits:

  • Promotes deep relaxation and stress relief
  • Helps calm the mind
  • Supports the body's recovery after practice

Summary:

These basic yoga poses provide a solid foundation for any yoga practice. By practicing these asanas regularly, you can improve your flexibility, strength, and inner peace. Whether you're just starting out with yoga or want to deepen your practice, learning and understanding these poses is key to an effective and safe yoga experience.

 

 


We have curated a selection of the finest yoga videos for you. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced practitioner.
These videos provide valuable instructions and tips to enhance your yoga journey.

to the Videos

Recommended Experts, Offers, Courses and Events